Family Fun at Local Farms

A visit to a local farm can be such a fun outing with the kids. Not only can you stock up on local produce, you can visit with chickens, donkeys, pigs and other farm life. Plus, farms provide so many learning experiences, too. Kids can connect with nature and get a better understanding of where our food comes from and the importance of sustainable living. Check out this list of local farms below and take note of their activities for children — from kids yoga to “Farmer for a Day” camp.

–> Springdale FarmLocated in East Austin, this family operated urban farm grows over 75 seasonal vegetable varieties that are served at many local restaurants. In fact, there’s even a restaurant on the grounds of Springdale Farm, Eden East, where you can dine on the freshest cuisine in such a peaceful farm setting. If you want to shop for fresh produce, you can visit their farm stand every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. They also offer Family Yoga on the Farm every Saturday at 10 a.m. (free but RSVP required to info@blisskidyoga.com). Visit their website for the latest news of what’s growing and for info about special events.

Photo from the Bliss Kid Yoga Facebook page

–> Boggy Creek FarmAnother east Austin urban farm, Boggy Creek Farm’s market is open to the public every Wednesday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. You’ll find items such as cheeses, goat milk ice cream, and free range bison meat available, too. Kids will enjoy wandering the gardens and visiting the hen house, which everyone is welcome to do on market days. Cash and check only. For more info about what’s in season as well as a list of special events, visit the Boggy Creek Farm website.

–> Green Gate FarmsHow’d you like to send your kids to Farm Camp? Green Gate Farms is very kid-friendly and even offers day camps and classes for children and adults, including the popular “Farmer for a Day” camp. In their Big Red Barn you’ll find certified organic vegetables, flowers, eggs, and meats. Children can play in the Magic Treehouse and pet livestock. Open three days a week – Tuesday 3pm-6pm, Friday 10am-2pm, Saturday 10am-2pm. Farm tours and field trips are also available. For more information, visit their website.

Photo from the Green Gate Farm Facebook page

–> Crowe’s Nest Farm
This 100 acre working farm in Manor offers group tours, parties, and special open house events for the public in the Fall and Spring. At this farm, you’ll find hundreds of domestic farm animals, farming exhibits and cow-milking demos, hay rides, gardens, live reptiles, a Faieriewood Trail, various gardens and more. Mark your calendars for their upcoming Farm Days — May 20, 27, & 29, with tours starting at 11 a.m. and the farm closing at 2 p.m. Admission is $6. Visit the Crowe’s Nest Farm website for more details and to get info on planning group tours.

Plenty of farm animals to visit at Crowe’s Nest Farm

–> Sweet Berry Farm
Take a daytrip to Marble Falls to visit this farm where you can pick your own berries in the spring and enjoy a pumpkin patch in the fall. Admission and parking are free. The farm is closed on Wednesdays. Group field trips are also available. The farmers note that it’s important to check the Fresh News page on the Sweet Berry Farm website for up-to-date field and crop conditions before you head out to Marble Falls. You can also visit their Facebook page for lots of helpful updates.

–> Pioneer Farms
Unlike the other farms in this list, Pioneer Farms is more of a living history museum. It gives visitors a chance to experience life in an 1841 Tonkawa Encampment, an 1868 German Immigrant Farm, an 1873 Texian Farm, an 1887 Cotton Planter’s Farm and an 1899 rural village. When you’re there, you can explore the grounds, peeking into hold farm houses, red barns, and more. Admission is $8 for visitors ages 13 and over, and $6 for children ages 3-12. Children 2 and under are free. They are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission daily at 4 p.m. Visit the Pioneer Farms website for more info.

Pioneer Farms

Know of other local farms that are open to the public?
Please let us know in the comments below.

Hi! My husband and I own Sweet Eats Fruit Farm. Let me know if there is anymore info you need about our farm! It's a really great place for families. And over the next few weeks we'll have nectarines and peaches to harvest. Visiting our FB page is the best way to get up to date info. Abby posted it above! Thanks Abby!